New Ministry Encourages Christians to Adopt

A groundbreaking organization known as One Heart Family Ministries has just opened its doors; doors which they pray will lead to a redefining of the adoption process in the St. Louis area and hopefully across the nation. The essence of this ministry is to encourage Christian adults to explore the idea of adoption, to walk them through the process, and to aid them when the process is complete. One Heart desires to help all children who have been abandoned, abused, neglected, or orphaned, by giving them a new chance at life with a Christ centered family who loves them.

One Heart was founded through the vision of Dave and Robin Kruse of St. Louis, MO and Ed and Judy Getts of Bloomington, IN. The Kruse’s have been involved with the foster care program for 15 years and have adopted four children from the state. “The adoption experience has been so positive for us. We hate the idea of children growing up without a family to love them,” stated Robin Kruse. The Getts, who are also foster parents, along with the Kruse’s, have witnessed first hand what moving from home to home does to these children. “The Children feel unloved, they struggle with their identity, and they do not believe they fit in anywhere. You can see the pain in their eyes and how desperately they search for someone to call mom or dad,” said Judy Getts. There are a startling 135,000 children moving through the foster care program awaiting adoption. The Kruse’s and the Getts’ find this number unacceptable, especially when they feel God calls all Christians to take care of orphans and widows.

Robin Kruse and son TJ

Robin explained, “James 1:27 says, ‘Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is to look after the orphans and the widows in their distress (NIV).’ It is clear that God is giving us a command and it is our responsibility to act on it.” One Heart Family Ministries has set out to do just that. They want to make churches, organizations, families, and individuals aware of this crisis and encourage them to help give these children a better life.

One Heart is looking for anyone, married or single, who is committed to a relationship with the Lord and is interested in the ministry of adoption. They will not make anyone attempt this process alone, but rather support them every step of the way. “I would just encourage anyone who has ever considered adoption to at least explore the idea by contacting us. Once you see these kids, or hear their stories, you can not help but be touched,” Robin concluded.

If you are already an adoptive parent and would like to get involved with a support group, or if you are interested in adoption please contact the One Heart Family Ministries director, Emily Nienhuis, at (314) 223-2496 or egnienhuis@yahoo.com.